Parenting

Laughs and a Bowl of Granola

For the last year Ive been jotting down funny things my twin boys (age 4) have said. Tapping them into my phone while were on the go. So here are a few laughs, plus a recipe for our favorite homemade granola.

My Gordon (age 4) is convinced the large satellite dish at the stake center is a “shrinkerator.” (He and his twin brother have watched a fair number of Phineas and Ferb episodes.) Recently, he said, “Mom? Miss Mavis (the nursery leader) says she only turns on the shrinkerator when bad guys come.” Gotta love Mavis.

Spencer (also age 4) made this divine declaration regarding Grandpas aftershave: “Grandpa, you smell like angels.”

While playing pick-up sticks with my boys, I said, “Spencer, you might grow up to be a doctor. You have really steady hands.” He replied, “No, Mom. I just wanna be a Dad.”

On their first Sunday in a CTR class, both boys received a CTR ring. That night Spencer purposely broke a wing off his sisters butterfly windup toy. He showed me the damage and said, “Ill put it on your counter Mom.” Then he walked back into the living room and said matter of factly, “That was the wrong choice.”

Gordon: “Mom, I like you laughing. Because it makes me laugh.”

Gordon (during his evening prayer): “And please bless the babies. That they will be safe when theyre born.” Me (after the amen): “What babies were you praying for?” Gordon: “All babies, Mom. All babies need to be safe.”

Gordon: “Mom, Mom! Know how fast Spider Man can jump to a building? Fast as a star can wink.”

Spencer (in sudden realization and question): “But how did Heavenly Father get build?” He pondered that one for a while.

And my all-time favorite:

A few weeks ago I was outside playing baseball with my boys. Im not a great pitch. And theyre not great hitters. But they knocked off a few good ones, I threw a whole lot of whiffle balls, we ran our homemade bases, and afterwards came inside for popsicles.

I was putting the bag of popsicles back in the freezer when Gordon gave me one of the best (and most informative) compliments Ive ever received. He said,

“Mom? Even though you dont do anything awesome youre still awesome.”

I laughed right out loud. Such insight to his cushioned four-year-old world. Yet, so unconditional in his love. I dont have to do a single thing thats awesome, and he still loves me.

Its true; I might not do anything awesome, but I do have a few awesome things. Like my John Schneider autograph from 5th grade (please tell me you watched Dukes of Hazzard back in the day), my mechanical scripture pencil that shoots out eight different colors, and this homemade granola recipe I promise you will love. Unless, of course, you have nut allergies.

Catherine Keddington Arveseth is a part-time writer and full-time mother to five young children, including two sets of twins. She writes for Segullah, Power of Moms, and lives in Salt Lake City. She blogs at wildnprecious.com.